Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Jeremy Ward: We could see a two-tiered system come into play

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is a war going on. A war between the streaming giants.  Netflix' recent results gave a bit of a warning shot for tougher times to come. The com...

Fran O'Sullivan: They're not taking any chances with Biden

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister is jetting off to the states tonight ready to meet with the UN Secretary-General, US Senators and heads of big tech companies in Ca...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: I don’t think they are being judgemental. I think they’re being realistic

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve always felt a little uncomfortable about NIMBYism, but not in the case of the controversial Kainga Ora development being built in New Plymouth...

Grant Robertson: We look for opportunities and this was the latest one

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is deploying 30 more troops to Europe to help train Ukrainian fighters.  They won't actually go into Ukraine, instead, the Ukrainians and...

The Huddle: Australian election, Coca-Cola and the Christchurch stadium

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Australian election threw up some interesting results. Do people love Labor? Or do they hate Scomo?  Just months after Christchurch Council agree...

David Pocock: For years I've been saying we need more people in politics who aren't career politicians

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Independents have taken the Australian election by storm. Ex-Wallabies captain and independent candidate David Pocock is a prime example of that. Poc...

Kath Dewar: They're only slightly ahead of what they have to do

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Coca-Cola has unveiled a new design for its bottles – lids that are tethered to the bottle.  It's in an attempt to keep lids out of landfills, as o...

Sam MacDonald: The most important thing is getting the contracts signed

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The opening of Christchurch's city centre stadium has been pushed back again.  An update for city councillors shows it's been delayed to 2025 – an...

Kevin Short: It's going to be a hard fought war

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is sending 30 defence force personnel to the UK – to help train Ukrainian soldiers. The L119 light gun is only used by a handful of c...

Aaron Dahmen: The only thing missing on the agenda is actually meeting with President Joe Biden

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What will we actually be doing to support Ukraine? The PM's off to the US, what's the plan, will she meet with Biden, and what can we expect from her...

Nathan Currie: You could sense on the ground that a big change was coming

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese has been sworn in as Australian Prime Minister. What's next for the coalition? Medical experts are calling for Aussies to mask up a...

Phil Gifford: The Blues against the Brumbies was an absolutely titanic battle

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Blues played a championship-intensity game against the Brumbies and won. Scott Dixon qualifies for the Indy 500 in pole position for the fifth ti...

Wayne Brown: It's ridiculous to be considering this again

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An engineering consultant says moving Auckland's port to Manukau is a terrible idea.  A feasibility study was included in the Budget last week – c...

Sports Huddle: Cycling NZ, Katey Martin and the Blues

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cycling NZ report came out this week – do we need to treat our athletes better, or is it just inherent that high-performance sport is going to be ...

Gavin Grey: There is concern about how big this outbreak might get

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Move over Covid... Monkeypox cases are sweeping across Europe. Boris Johnson is officially off the hook after the police have closed their investigat...

Kevin Bowler: I don't think that's at all fair

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

My Food Bag made has posted a healthy result today. EBITDA was up 18% to $34.2m, and net profit after tax increased to $20m from $2.4m.  The company...

Jacqui Dean: "I have regrets about lots of things"

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

National's Jacqui Dean is keeping mum on her role in a leadership stoush that saw Christopher Luxon take over as party leader.  The Waitaki MP – w...

Brett Worthington: Scott Morrison is hoping he'll defy the polls again

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Australia's incumbent Prime Minister says we may not know the outcome of tomorrow's federal election, if polls are anything to go by. ABC political r...

Jason Walls: Officials said this would make inflation worse in the short-term

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Within 24 hours of being released the budget hit a pretty major snag. What happened? And now that the dust has settled a little bit, what else is in ...

Dan Mitchinson: Turkey doesn't want Sweden and Finland to join NATO

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Biden met with the leaders of Sweden and Finland after they submitted their NATO membership applications. Elon Musk paid $250,000 USD to a flig...

Jason Pine: He couldn't commit to moving back to NZ with the Warriors

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Lodge has been immediately released from the Warriors – a day before he was due to suit up against the Dragons. The NZ athletics team was nam...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: The squeezed middle does exist and they are doing it tough

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Simon Wilson's column in the Herald today popped up on my phone this morning with this alert: Simon Wilson: Can we stop talking about the 'squeeze...

Dr John Bonning: This could be seen as an opportunity not a threat

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Looks like Hutt Valley Hospital was just the tip of the iceberg. Wellington Hospital has to move its entire Emergency Department, as it no longer mee...

Brad Olsen: We should be worried about how high inflation is

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you think the cost of living is bad now, think again.  Forecasts that were released by Treasury at the budget yesterday, paint a grim picture of w...

Nick Hogendijk: We need to bring competition into the market

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has slapped targets on the two major supermarket chains' backs. Urgent legislation was passed last night to stop them blocking compet...

Enda Brady: It's a cultural problem, it's endemic and it's a real eye opener

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Conservative MP accused of rape has been bailed. The number of obese Brits is going to outnumber healthy adults within five years. UK correspon...

Jan Carey: This is a terrible crisis but it is only short-term

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I want to bring you up to date on the serious baby formula shortage in the United States right now. Parents have been scrambling to find formula afte...

Liam Dann: Good on them for sticking to the longer-term spending we need

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liam Dann is the Herald's business editor at large; he's been working his way through the budget this afternoon. Liam joined Heather du Plessis-Allan...

David Seymour: It's not offering hope, especially to young people

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The ACT Party is calling this budget the brain drain budget... Saying ambitious Kiwis are tired of being milked and will leave the country for greene...

Doug Leeder: We've got a duty of care to patrons using this service

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tauranga is grappling with a significant youth violence problem at some of its bus stops. So much so, the head of NZ Bus says it's the worst anti-so...

Sharon Zollner: This is a way of re-balancing the burden

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has reacted to the cost-of-living crisis with a billion-dollar package targeting the so-called "squeezed middle". But the boosts to tr...

The Huddle: Budget Day 2022

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

COST OF LIVING PAYMENT – Is a temporary extra $27 going to cut it for those suffering from the cost-of-living crisis? What about those who are mis...

Ian Hutson: There was nothing there for the people we're trying to help

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Addressing the cost-of-living crisis was the number one task for Grant Robertson today. And while the middle class will welcome $27 a week for three ...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: This is the “block of cheese and cup of coffee” budget

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is the “block of cheese and cup of coffee” budget. Because that’s all you’re going to be able to buy with that extra $27 a week. One bl...

Kerre Woodham: If we don't come back then they don't have a show

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There's big drama on the set of Dancing with the Stars. Eric Murray and Rhys Mathewson have both got Covid and have had to bow out of the competition...

Grant Robertson: It's a contribution to what is a tough time

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Addressing the cost-of-living crisis was at the forefront of today's budget. Anyone earning less than $70k will get a one-off $350 over three months...

Jason Walls: For a lot of people it's really not going to do much

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The winners – the losers?  What's been the reaction?  How do you rate Robertson today and Luxon's response? Chief political reporter Jason Walls...

Christopher Luxon: When you're addicted to spending like he is, it ain't gonna happen

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

National says the Government is taking New Zealanders backwards with its budget. They say Grant Robertson spent too much money while Kiwis are contin...

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Every possible opportunity to improve yourself professionally should be taken

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Barrett is working with psychologists to avoid getting any more red cards. What's in the budget for sport? Sportstalk host D’Arcy Waldegrave...

New Zealand Nurses Organisation CEO Paul Goulter: We're very disappointed

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Health is at the forefront of this budget. Billions are being put aside to wipe DHB debt, Pharmac’s getting almost 200 million dollars over two ye...

Gavin Grey: The House of Commons reputation is being shredded on almost a weekly basis

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the UK, an unnamed Conservative MP (from the party of government) has been arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault. The UK government ann...

Jenee Tibshraeny: The support would need to be targeted

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's the eve of budget day and everyone's got their wishlist.  Whether it's health, cost-of-living relief or climate change. We'll find out the Gover...

Chris Whelan: It's certainly a less attractive environment

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The border is opening but there's concern international students aren't exactly queuing up to return to New Zealand. International education used to ...

The Huddle: Anne Tolley, Budget Day and gun crime

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is Act right to be upset with Anne Tolley for announcing what she thinks Tauranga's priorities are for the by-election candidates? She's not an electe...

Sam Uffindell: There is some merit to what Anne has been saying

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tauranga doesn't have a mayor at the moment as you know but Anne Tolley, the commission chair in charge of running the city, has penned a letter with ...

Dr Arne Niewenhuys: How much sleep can people go without before they lose control of their impulses?

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many people drive around in a sleep-deprived state. Auckland University scientists are researching how much sleep people can go without before starti...

Jason Walls: The thing with politics is we don't really know

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Grant Robertson and Nicola Willis face off on the eve of budget day. Jacinda Ardern is back and working from home. When are we going to see pre-depa...

D'Arcy Waldegrave: She's the longest serving modern-day cricketer

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katey Martin retires after nineteen years as a White Fern. Two more All Black front-rowers are headed to France. Tiger Woods has a crack at Phil Mic...

Dan Mitchinson: President Joe Biden called this an act of terrorism

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The US President has met grieving families of victims of the Buffalo shooting. An 18-year-old gunman shot 13 people, and killed 10 in a racially moti...

Frances Sweetman: Markets are very choppy and sensitive

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We will hear a raft of company profit announcements in the next two weeks. Is the New Zealand share market performance, down over 5% so far this month...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: We’re competing with the rest of the world and cannot afford to make it harder for nurses to come here

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We've finally got to the bottom of how we’ve ended up in the ludicrous situation in last week’s immigration reset where nurses are not on the hi...

Carrie Hurihanganui: Pre-departure testing is now a lot less important

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Assurances removing Covid testing requirements for travel won't put New Zealand at risk.  Covid Response Minister Chris Hipkins says pre-departure te...

Chris Cahill: Without better gun control this becomes the norm

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Unease we're becoming a bit blasé about shootings. Police are investigating two gang-related shootings within days of each other in Wairoa – incl...

David Kelly: Once you get delays everything compounds

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Construction companies are falling over because they can't get supplies to finish projects. Concerns have been growing over gib board shortages – b...

Enda Brady: It seems to be the only show in town at the moment

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wayne Rooney is to give evidence today in the Wagatha Christie trial. Bank of England governor warns of "apocalyptic" inflation this year. Eurovisio...

Paul Bloxham: There's not too much of a difference between the two parties at the moment

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Australian election is just a few days away, and if you listen to the opinion polls, we're about to see a change in government.  Anthony Albanese...

Jamie Mackay: Methane in this country has been the same for the last 10 years

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The farming response to the Emissions Reduction Plan. Another crucial GDT auction tonight? Down another 2%??? after the last 8.5% tumble. Will Westl...

Brad Olsen: We're at risk of overworking our workers

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Infometrics is warning the NZ economy is red-lining and resource constraints are making growth almost impossible. The latest quarterly economic monit...

Simon Wallace: We weren't consulted about the green list

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Last night, Grant Robertson was on the show talking about the immigration reset. Heather asked him whether the Government will change the green list ...

Simon Wallace: We weren't consulted about the green list

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Last night, Grant Robertson was on the show talking about the immigration reset. Heather asked him whether the Government will change the green list ...

The Huddle: Chlöe Swarbrick doco, Hutt Hospital and Matt Robson

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former Foreign Minister Matt Robson has raised some eyebrows... speaking in support of Russia in an interview with Russian sponsored TV RT. What do yo...

Matt Robson: When you have a war you need to have independent investigators

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On the day when McDonalds has officially pulled out of Russia, our former Associate Foreign Affairs Minister Matt Robson is causing a stir for his inv...

Josh Smith: It seems to be less about denial and more about lack of testing

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So, North Korea are in the middle a major Covid-19 outbreak. With more than a million people now sick with what officials are calling a 'fever'. Lim...

Dr Rob Griffiths: It will be related to the severity of the illness

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Doctors are warning urgent work needs to be done to understand the full impact of long Covid on people.  One in five Covid cases still have symptoms ...

Campbell Barry: It's a devastating blow for the Hutt Valley

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a doubtful future for hospital care in the Wellington region.  Hutt Hospital's main building has been deemed earthquake-prone – meaning patien...

Jason Walls: When it comes to question time, Grant Robertson is the king

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are National looking to follow Seymour's lead on boosting defence spending to 2% of GDP? Grant Robertson had a very good day in the House – wiping...

Murray Olds: They're flicking these spending promises around like confetti at a wedding

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The coalition promises to cut spending on a public service if re-elected. Independent candidate in South Australia is in a bit of trouble over a carp...

D'Arcy Waldegrave: It's a massive squad, it's hard for anyone to miss out

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

All Whites squad has been named for the world cup playoff against Costa Rica. Chiefs have been hit by a second wave of the Rona. Research finds that...

Shaun Robinson: This is a response to a squeaky wheel

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has announced a hundred-million-dollar investment into mental health services ahead of Thursday's budget. The money will go towards a ...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: This shows people clearly don’t feel law enforcement and the justice system is working

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is something that jumps out at you when you wake up to the news of all the overnight ram raids each morning: how many of these places have been ...

Gavin Grey: It really shows how keen people were to see her

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing quite like a NATO exercise on Russia's doorstep. The Queen made a grand appearance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Switzerland has voted t...

Andrew Hoggard: We need to actually have some mitigation's and that requires research

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The farming sector has welcomed today's Emissions Reduction Plan. The Government wants to set up a new centre for climate action on agricultural emis...

Fran O'Sullivan: He was a man of many contrasts

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some sad news for the business community today... With the passing of Brian Gaynor. The business commentator, co-founder of Milford Asset Management ...

Grant Robertson: The fine detail of the design happens now

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a big week for the Finance Minister as he gears up to budget day on Thursday.  Things were supposed to start big today with the release of the G...

The Huddle: Emissions Reduction Plan, Palestine v Israel and ramraids

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Was Wellington mayor Andy Foster right to pull the pin on plans to light up a Wellington landmark in Palestinian colours, after a warning he might ups...

Andy Foster: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised us not to go ahead

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wellington's mayor is defending his move to put the brakes on a Palestinian commemoration event.  The Michael Fowler Centre was set to be lit up in t...

Eric Murray: There's a well-being system for each individual person

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The findings of the Cycling New Zealand and High Performance Sport inquiry have been released, following the death of Olivia Podmore last August. The...

James Shaw: This is a five year plan and not everything has been completed

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Government's released its long-awaited plan on how to reduce emissions – but many big decisions have been put in the "for later" basket.  570 ...

Jason Walls: The Government has earmarked 4.5 billion for the emissions reduction plan

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The much-anticipated emission reduction plan's been released – what are the highlights and what has been the reaction? There's been a spate of ram...

Oliver Peterson: All the polls are showing that Labor will win

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the final week of the election campaign and it's looking like Anthony Albanese will be the next PM. Andrew Symonds's death continues to rock ...

Phil Gifford: There is no question that you have to make sacrifices

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Podmore report finds that cyclists should be treated as people before athletes. Who's going to be in the Super Rugby final? Sports commentator P...

Debbie Randall: It was someone with a lot of know-how

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ramraiders have stepped it up a notch. They used a digger to break into the Wainuiomata BP in Lower Hutt overnight. The seven-tonne digger owned by...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: I'm not sure what James Shaw has been doing but it wasn't nailing down a climate plan

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I’m not entirely sure what James Shaw has been doing with his time. But whatever it is, it certainly wasn’t spent nailing down a climate plan. W...

Gavin Grey: Over 100 fines issued in UK 'partygate' probe - London police

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The number of fines issued over breaches of coronavirus regulations at British government offices, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s official...

Peter Lewis: Catholic cardinal, others arrested on Hong Kong security law

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A 90-year-old Roman Catholic cardinal, a singer and at least two others have been arrested in Hong Kong on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces ...

Rod Oram: Business commentator on what to expect from the Emissions Reduction Plan on Monday

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Climate Change Minister James Shaw revealed his emissions budget this week and has been backed by both Labour and National.The budgets will see New Ze...

Ian Hill: Former Russian Ambassador on Russia's reaction to Finland's application to join NATO

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Russia has threatened to retaliated against Finland after the country’s president and prime minister said they wanted to join NATO without delay.Fin...

Sports Huddle: Brendon McCullum, Andrew Hore, Stateside Rugby World Cup

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brendon McCullum has been named test coach for England.The former Black Caps captain will take up the role ahead of the Black Caps test series against...

Craig Cumming: Former Black Cap on Brendon McCullum being named England test cricket coach

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brendon McCullum has been named the new England test cricket coach.The former Black Cap captain will take the reins for the test side ahead of the ser...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: If you're going to suggest an entire electorate is racist, get your facts right

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s a tip for the Maori Party: if you’re going to go out and suggest an entire electorate is racist, you need to get your facts straight.The Pa...

Jason Smith: Kaipara Mayor on why Tane Mahuta should be nominated for Tree of the Year

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Move over Bird of the Year.We’ve now got an inaugural Tree of the Year competition and already it’s upsetting people.Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith is ...

Graham Le Gros: Immunologist says the latest Covid variants haven't been very nasty and we're well-immunised going into winter

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One vaccine expert isn't too concerned about Covid-19 heading into winter.Ashley Bloomfield today warned there could be another peak - when flu and RS...

Matthew Tukaki: Maori Authority chairman on his own experience on racism in Tauranga

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Warnings white supremacist material is a blight on Tauranga.The Maori Authority's chairman has offered sympathy for Te Pati Maori's decision not to st...

Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter on the reaction to Maori Party's Tauranga claims

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Maori Party have had to retract an inflammatory statement.This morning, Maori Party president Che Wilson announced they would not be entering a ca...

Dan Mitchinson: Finland's leaders announce support for NATO membership, sparking retaliation threats from Russia

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Finland's president and prime minister announced their support for joining NATO on Thursday, moving the Nordic nation which shares an 800-mile borde...

Ernie Newman: Former Food and Grocery Council head says The Warehouse have tried to enter the grocery market before but got into trouble

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A consumer advocate says he'd like to see The Warehouse enter the grocery game.The retailer says it is considering getting into groceries, amid price ...

Enda Brady: Boris Johnson describes Putin as having neo-imperialist ambitions

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Finland will announce in the next couple of hours whether it will join NATO. Ukraine is halting some gas supplies to Europe. Kate used royal inside ...

Katie Milne: The time's right to put someone in who knows more about livestock

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former Federated Farmers president Katie Milne has put her name in the ring to become the Head of the World Farmer's Organisation. It's an advocacy g...

Jamie Mackay: Some people think he probably went a step too far

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Time's almost up for farmers trying to prevent being lumped into the ETS. Do you know the farmer who was involved in this court case for injuring a h...

Liam Dann: There is some real concern that we're only getting started on the interest rates

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whispers about the r-word are getting louder. BNZ is the latest to pipe up... Saying the chances of the economy moving into recession are rising by t...